Stranger in a Strange Land: Robert Heinlein TV Show in the Works at Syfy

by Jessica Pena, November 22, 2016

Stranger in a Strange Land is coming to the small screen. Recently, it was announced Paramount Television and Universal Cable Productions are adapting the popular novel for Syfy.

Written by Robert Heinlein, the 1961 sci-fi novel “tells the story of Valentine Michael Smith, a human who comes to Earth in early adulthood after being born on the planet Mars and raised by Martians.” This is the first time the series is being adapted for television.

Brad Fischer, James Vanderbilt and William Sherak, Scott Rudin, Garrett Basch, Eli Bush, and Joe Vecchio are set to executive produce the project.

From Universal Cable Productions:

HOLLYWOOD, CA – November 15, 2016 – Paramount Television in partnership with Universal Cable Productions (UCP), a division of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, today announced plans to develop Robert Heinlein’s popular 1961 science fiction novel “Stranger in a Strange Land” as a TV series for Syfy. Brad Fischer, James Vanderbilt and William Sherak of Mythology Entertainment, Scott Rudin, Garrett Basch and Eli Bush of Scott Rudin Productions, and Joe Vecchio of Vecchio Entertainment will serve as executive producers. Mythology’s Julia Gunn will serve as co-executive producer.

Considered a staple in many science fiction fans’ libraries, “Stranger in a Strange Land” tells the story of Valentine Michael Smith, a human who comes to Earth in early adulthood after being born on the planet Mars and raised by Martians. The novel explores his interaction with—and eventual transformation of—terrestrial culture. It predicted many of the movements and messages of the 1960’s – from free love and hippie communes, to organized attempts at world peace.

“Paramount TV is excited to have the opportunity to adapt Robert Heinlein’s seminal work of science fiction,” said Amy Powell, President, Paramount TV. “This novel has resonated with me since college and there’s a reason it has continued to find new fans for over forty years. Syfy’s understanding of imaginative and futuristic programming is unmatched, making them an ideal partner for this series.”

“From my point of view, ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ isn’t just a science fiction masterpiece…it also happens to be one of my favorite books ever!” said NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Chairman, Bonnie Hammer. “The story is timeless and resonates more than ever in today’s world. As a fan, I can’t wait to see it come to life as a world-class television event.”

This marks the third co-production between Universal Cable Productions and Paramount Television, following USA Network’s “Shooter” and Spike TV Network’s “Pendergast.”

What do you think? Have you read Stranger in a Strange Land? Would you watch the Syfy series?